John j



(No Model.)

J. J. JOYCE.

AUTOHARP.

No. 598,102. Patented Nov. 2, 1897.

WITNESSES: INVENTOR WJAW/ 2 3 JoknJJo yce "W' BY ATTORNEYS 1m: mumsPETERS co. puorauma, WASHINGTON, o c.

board 1 and strings 2.

- UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN J. JOYCE, OF DOLGEVILLE, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO THE C. F. ZIMMERMANNCOMPANY, OF SAME PLACE.

AUTOHARP.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent N 0. 593,102, datedNovember 2, 1897. Application filed April 15, 1897. $eria1No. 632,275.(No model.)

To aZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN J. J OYOE, a citizen of the United States,residing at Dolgeville, in the county of I-Ierkimer and State of NewYork, have invented new and useful Improvements in Autoharps, of whichthe following is a specification.

The object of this invention is to obtain a musical instrument, such' asan autoharp or the like, with suspended bar or manual capable ofrectilinear motion; and the invention resides in the novel features ofconstruction set forth in the following specification and claims andillustrated in the annexed drawings, in which Figure 1 is a plan view ofan autoharp or musical instrument. Fig. 2 is a section along as 00,Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a detail sectional view of part of a bar or manual.Fig. 4 is a section along y y, Fig. 3.

The instrument is shown with a sounding- A plate or support 3 is shownwith side pieces Aand end pieces 5. The side pieces at supportcross-pieces or rods 6, on which swing links '7. Jointed to bar ormanual 8 at 9 are links 10. The links 7 and 10, jointed together at 11,form toggle-joints. To the link-connecting joint 11 is also jointed arod or connection 12. The cross-bar or support 13 serves for supportingspring 14, which normally holds or makes manual 8 rest out of contactwith the strings.

When the manual moves toward the strings, its motion is rectilinear, theends 5 serving to guide the manual in a straight line. The connection12, compelling the toggle-joints or links 7 10 to swing in unison,secures parallel action.

The links 10 are shown set into slots or semicircular recesses 15 inmanual 8.

A handle or button 16 for actuating a manual has its stem 17 connectedto the latter. The stem 17 passing through slot 18 in connection 12,allows the latter to move longitudinally or with joints 11. By thisarrangement the bar or manual moves vertically, the ends of the manualhaving parallel motion.

The manual has dampers or contractors 19, as shown.

Of course the invention is not confined to the exact details shown, asthese can be varied without departing from the invention, the object ofwhich is to secure parallel motion for the opposite end portions of thebar or manual. One or more bars or manuals 8 can of course be applied.

What I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. A stringed musical instrument provided with a bar or manual (one ormore) and a toggle-joint support for said manual substantially asdescribed.

2. A stringed musical instrument provided with a bar or manual (one ormore), togglejoint supports for the manuahand a connecting-link for thejoints substantially as described.

3. A stringed musical instrument provided with a support, links jointedto the support, a bar or 1 manual (one or more) and links jointed to themanual, said links being jointed together and having a rod or connectionfor the link-connecting joints substantially as described. v

4. A stringed musical instrument provided with a bar or manual (one or.more), togglejoint supports for the manual, a connectinglink for thejoints, and a guide for securing rectilinear motion of the manualsubstantially as described.

5. A stringed musical instrument provided with a bar or manual (one ormore), togglejoint supports for the manual, a connection for the joints,and an actuating-handle for the manual, said connection being slotted toallow the passage of the handle and to allow longitudinal motion of theconnection substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in the presence of twosubscribing witnesses.

JOHN J. JOYCE. Witnesses:

WILLIAM DOLGE, EDWARD DEDIOKE.

